Water Line Control For Sample Bottle Filling

ABSTRACT

An arrangement for sampling a fluid, having a sample bottle with an associated piston, wherein the piston separates the sample bottle into an inlet side and a water side, a fluid sample line connected to the sample bottle at the inlet side, the fluid sample line transporting a fluid, a solenoid connected to the sample bottle on the water side of the sample bottle and a check valve connected to the sample bottle on the water side of sample bottle, wherein fluid enters the sample bottle on the inlet side upon actuation of at least one of the solenoid and the check valve on the water side of the sample bottle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the disclosure relate to downhole fluid sampling. More specifically, aspects of the disclosure relate to performing water line control for sample bottle filling.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Downhole testing is required during different phases of oil field service work. Such downhole testing allows engineers and operators to identify specific geological features of interest. Geological features and parameters that are typically of interest may include, as a non-limiting example, the presence of hydrocarbons or water. Hydrocarbons, such as oil or gas, are highly desired. Formation tester sample bottles are used to accept the oil, gas, water or combination of water, oil and gas.

Formation tester sample bottle filling is traditionally controlled at the inlet of a sample bottle. A downhole pump is used to pump formation fluid through a flowline past a sample receptacle located downstream of this pump. The fluid is routed to the borehole through an exit port until such time that sample capture is desired. At this time a valve at the bottle inlet is opened. To ensure the sample flows into the receptacle the flowline exit to borehole is closed. Fluid is then forced into the bottle by the pump. When the bottle is filled, the pump can continue to run until the fluid in the bottle is over pressured to the pump limit. A valve at the bottle inlet is subsequently closed, trapping the sampled fluid in the bottle.

Conventional tester sample bottles have many compromises associated with their design. Such conventional systems have limitations on their sampling and can shock fluids during sampling.

SUMMARY

This summary is not intended to limit the aspects described in the description. In one example embodiment, an arrangement for sampling a fluid is provided having, a sample bottle with an associated piston wherein the piston separates the sample bottle into an inlet side and a water side, a fluid sample line connected to the sample bottle at the inlet side, the fluid sample line transporting a fluid, and a relief valve connected to the sample bottle connected to the water side of the sample bottle, such that actuation of the relief valve causes fluid to be accepted into the sample bottle with the associated piston.

In another embodiment an arrangement for sampling a fluid is provided having a sample bottle with an associated piston, wherein the piston separates the sample bottle into an inlet side and a water side, a fluid sample line connected to the sample bottle at the inlet side, the fluid sample line transporting a fluid, a solenoid connected to the sample bottle on the water side of the sample bottle, and a check valve connected to the sample bottle on the water side of sample bottle, wherein fluid enters the sample bottle on the inlet side upon actuation of at least one of the solenoid and the check valve on the water side of the sample bottle.

In a further embodiment described, a method is provided for directing a fluid flow into a sample bottle; comprising: pumping the fluid flow with a pump through a fluid transfer line, hydraulically locking a piston in the sample bottle, wherein a fluid below the piston is pressure equalized to a pressure of the wellbore, accepting fluid from the fluid transfer line into the sample bottle through an inlet of the sample bottle, wherein a fluid pressure of the fluid in the fluid transfer line is at a pressure over that for actuation of a relief valve pressure thereby causing the fluid to enter the sample bottle, and sealing the bottle after an amount of fluid has been accepted into the sample bottle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-section of a sample bottle and associated valve configurations with a solenoid and check valve.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section of a sample bottle and associated valve configuration with a relief valve.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a sample bottle and associated valve configuration with a relief valve and a check valve.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section of a sample bottle and associated valve configuration with a relief valve, check valve and solenoid.

FIG. 5 is a first configuration of sample bottle and associated valve configuration at a position where fluid starts to flow to the sample bottle in a low shock sampling method.

FIG. 6 is the configuration of FIG. 5 when fluid flows from the formation through a pump into the bottle at sufficient pressure to overcome wellbore and relief valve pressure.

FIG. 7 is the configuration of FIG. 5 when the piston has reached the bottom and a sealing action is triggered automatically.

FIG. 8 is a second configuration of a sample bottle and associated valve configuration for a reverse low shock sampling method wherein the piston as a starting position before fluid flow.

FIG. 9 is the second configuration of FIG. 8 when fluid is drawn from the water side through a solenoid forcing down the piston.

FIG. 10 is the second configuration of FIG. 8 when the piston reaches the bottom and a sealing action is automatically triggered.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Four individual concepts are provided for water line control of sample bottle filling. Each of the concepts labeled A, B, C and D provide an alternative sample bottle filling method compared to conventional techniques. The sample bottles may be used in downhole tools to conduct sampling of fluids from geological formations. Sample bottles for other sampling may also be filled through the methods and arrangements provided, such as, for example, sampling of fluids from environments. Such environments may be gaseous environments, either man-made or natural. Such configurations described herein may also be used for sampling in laboratory conditions and as such, although the described embodiments relate to testing in field conditions, such descriptions should not be considered limiting.

The configurations provided relate to sample bottles of varying sizes and shapes and therefore the elongated shape provided in the appended FIGS. should not be considered limiting. The sample bottles allow for sampling fluids and may be insulated, placed in a detachable carrier or otherwise protected to prevent the contents of the sample bottle from becoming mixed with other fluids. Such sample carriers may be opened at the wellsite surface or may be transported to a laboratory for further analysis.

A first concept, A, is provided for water line control of sample bottle filling. The water side of the sample bottle contains a check valve and a solenoid. The purpose of the solenoid is to control the sample bottle piston position by regulating the water behind the piston. When the solenoid opens the piston can move when flowline pressure exceeds water side pressure. There is a check valve placed parallel to the solenoid that allows the water pressure to be equalized to hydrostatic pressure. This is necessary to manage water (and air bubbles) compressibility. Without the check valve this compressibility would result in piston movement when the tool is lowered into the well. The bottle will self-seal after filling, or an inlet valve can be closed after filling.

A second concept, B, is provided also for water line control of sample bottle filling. The water side of the sample bottle contains a relief valve. The purpose of the relief valve is to maintain a constant, higher than hydrostatic, pressure in the bottle during the entire filling process. An additional benefit of the relief valve is that the sampled fluid can be over pressure when used with self sealing bottles. With the traditional filling method described above a self sealing bottle cannot be over pressurized with the downhole pump. Additionally, in some instances, such as a nitrogen charge, an overpressure situation may occur. The over pressuring requires the bottle to be filled, but the bottle will self seal at this time. With the relief valve indicated in the concept provided in FIG. 2, any fluid entering the bottle is already at high pressure and no post-filling pressurization is required.

A third concept, C, is provided for water line control of sample bottle filling. The water side of the sample bottle contains a check valve and a relief valve. The purpose of the relief valve is the same as described in Concept B. The check valve will ensure that the water side pressure is equal to hydrostatic while the tool is lowered into the well. The bottle will self-seal after filling, or an inlet valve can be closed after filling.

A fourth concept, D, is provided for water line control of sample bottle filling. This arrangement is a combination of the above described concepts. The solenoid now controls the piston movement and the water equalization. When sample capture is desired, the solenoid can be opened. First the water pressure will equalize to hydrostatic. Subsequently, the flowline exit to the borehole will be closed. This will increase flowline pressure unit the pressure exceeds the relief valve opening pressure. The bottle is then filled and the solenoid can be closed again to lock the piston back into position.

As provided in FIG. 1, the arrangement described above in relation to Concept A is provided. In FIG. 1, a sample bottle 18 is provided. The sample bottle 18 has an internal piston that may be used to capture fluid from a formation. The sample bottle 18 is found, for example, in downhole fluid analysis tools. The left end of the sample bottle 18 is the inlet 12 to the sample bottle 18. At the right side of the sample bottle 18, an open solenoid 20 is positioned next to a check valve 22. Through this configuration, water line control may be established for sample bottle filling.

As provided in FIG. 2, the arrangement described above in relation to Concept B is provided. As provided in FIG. 2. a sample bottle 18 is provided. The sample bottle 18 has an internal piston that may be used to capture fluid from a formation. The sample bottle 18 is found, for example, in downhole fluid analysis tools. The left end of the sample bottle 18 is the inlet 12 to the sample bottle 18. At the right side of the sample bottle 18, a relief valve 24 is positioned to provide pressure relief from the sample bottle 18. Through this configuration, water line control may be established for sample bottle filling.

As provided in FIG. 3, the arrangement described above in relation to Concept C is provided. As provided in FIG. 3, a sample bottle 18 is provided. The sample bottle 18 has an internal piston that may be used to capture fluid from a formation. The sample bottle 18 is found, for example, in downhole fluid analysis tools. The left end of the sample bottle 18 is the inlet 12 to the sample bottle 18. At the right side of the sample bottle 18, a relief valve 26 is positioned next to a check valve 28. Through this configuration, water line control may be established for sample bottle filling.

As provided in FIG. 4, the arrangement described above in relation to Concept D is provided. As provided in FIG. 4, a sample bottle 18 is provided. The sample bottle 18 has an internal piston that may be used to capture fluid from a formation. The sample bottle 18 is found, for example, in downhole fluid analysis tools. The left end of the sample bottle 18 is the inlet 12 to the sample bottle 18. At the right side of the sample bottle 18, a relief valve 30 is positioned next to a check valve. Both the relief valve 30 and the check valve 32 have a common solenoid arrangement 34. Through this configuration, water line control may be established for sample bottle filling.

Referring to FIG. 5, a sample bottle 18 is provided in a low shock sampling condition. The configuration used in FIG. 5 may be, for example, that used in concept D (FIG. 4). The sample bottle 18 has an internal piston that may be used to capture fluid from a formation. In the illustrated example, the shaded region indicates the amount of fluid in the sample bottle 18, wherein the shaded region indicates a lack of fluid and a white region expresses a captured fluid. The sample bottle 18 is found, for example, in downhole fluid analysis tools. An open seal valve A is located along a hydraulic fluid line traveling from a pump to a wellbore environment. In the configuration of FIG. 5, fluid can flow from the wellbore down the hydraulic flow line above seal valve A to the pump (through open seal valve A). The piston inside the sample bottle 18 is hydraulically locked in position. Fluid below the piston is pressure equalized to the wellbore. As indicated by the shaded region, no fluid has yet entered into the sample bottle 18.

Referring to FIG. 6, the configuration provided above in FIG. 5 is shown wherein fluid flows from the formation through the pump (located along the fluid flow line near point 38 to the right of the bottle 18) into the bottle 18 at sufficient pressure to overcome wellbore and relief valve pressure. Water flows from the bottle 18 through the solenoid 34.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the piston reaches the bottom in the sample bottle 18, a sealing action at the bottom inlet is triggered. Such triggering may be accomplished automatically. At this stage, the bottle 18 may be removed to the surface for recovery of fluid.

Referring to FIG. 8, a reverse low shock sampling arrangement is illustrated. In this configuration, fluid flows from the formation to the pump through valve A. The piston 18 is hydraulically locked in position. Fluid pressure below the piston 18 can build up through the check valve.

Referring to FIG. 9, a sampling step is provided where fluid is drawn from the water side through the solenoid forcing down the piston. Fluid from the formation is drawn into the bottle with the piston movement.

Referring to FIG. 10, the arrangement is provided wherein the piston has reached the bottom. A sealing action at the bottom inlet is triggered. The triggering may be performed automatically. After the sealing action has occurred, the tool may be brought back to the surface.

In all of the embodiments, illustrated, the configuration provided may be used to fill one sample bottle. In another configuration, a series of sample bottles that may be configured in an arrangement such that the sample bottles are filled in series or in parallel.

Differing aspects are considered part of this disclosure, including an arrangement for sampling a fluid, compromising a sample bottle with an associated piston, wherein the piston separates the sample bottle into an inlet side and a water side, a fluid sample line connected to the sample bottle at the inlet side, the fluid sample line transporting a fluid, a solenoid connected to the sample bottle on the water side of the sample bottle and a check valve connected to the sample bottle on the water side of sample bottle, wherein fluid enters the sample bottle on the inlet side upon actuation of at least one of the solenoid and the check valve on the water side of the sample bottle.

A different aspect is also described, wherein an arrangement for sampling a fluid is provided, compromising a sample bottle with an associated piston wherein the piston separates the sample bottle into an inlet side and a water side, a fluid sample line connected to the sample bottle at the inlet side, the fluid sample line transporting a fluid; and a relief valve connected to the sample bottle connected to the water side of the sample bottle, such that actuation of the relief valve causes fluid to be accepted into the sample bottle with the associated piston.

In the aspects provided the arrangements may further comprise a check valve connected to the water side of the sample bottle.

In the aspects provided the arrangements may further comprise a solenoid connected to at least one of the relief valve and the check valve.

In the aspects provided the arrangements may be further configured with a seal valve.

In the aspects provided the arrangements may be further configured with a seal valve.

In another embodiment, a method for directing a fluid flow into a sample bottle is disclosed comprising pumping the fluid flow with a pump through a fluid transfer line, hydraulically locking a piston in the sample bottle, wherein a fluid below the piston is pressure equalized to a pressure of the wellbore, accepting fluid from the fluid transfer line into the sample bottle through an inlet of the sample bottle, wherein a fluid pressure of the fluid in the fluid transfer line is at a pressure over that for actuation of a relief valve pressure thereby causing the fluid to enter the sample bottle and sealing the bottle after an amount of fluid has been accepted into the sample bottle.

In another embodiment the amount of fluid accepted into the sample bottle is an entire volume of the sample bottle.

In another embodiment the method may be accomplished wherein the sealing of the bottle is automatically performed after a preset amount of fluid is accepted.

In another embodiment, the method may further comprise deploying the sample bottle downhole prior to pumping the fluid flow through the fluid transfer line.

In a still further embodiment, the method may further comprise retrieving the sample bottle from downhole.

In another embodiment, the method may be accomplished wherein the sample bottle is a detachable component of a downhole tool.

While the aspects have been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of the disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An arrangement for sampling a fluid, compromising: a sample bottle with an associated piston, wherein the piston separates the sample bottle into an inlet side and a water side; a fluid sample line connected to the sample bottle at the inlet side, the fluid sample line transporting a fluid; a solenoid connected to the sample bottle on the water side of the sample bottle; and a check valve connected to the sample bottle on the water side of sample bottle, wherein fluid enters the sample bottle on the inlet side upon actuation of at least one of the solenoid and the check valve on the water side of the sample bottle.
 2. An arrangement for sampling a fluid, compromising: a sample bottle with an associated piston wherein the piston separates the sample bottle into an inlet side and a water side; a fluid sample line connected to the sample bottle at the inlet side, the fluid sample line transporting a fluid; and a relief valve connected to the sample bottle connected to the water side of the sample bottle, such that actuation of the relief valve causes fluid to be accepted into the sample bottle with the associated piston.
 3. The arrangement according to claim 2, further comprising: a check valve connected to the water side of the sample bottle.
 4. The arrangement according to claim 3, further comprising: a solenoid connected to at least one of the relief valve and the check valve.
 5. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the fluid sample line is further configured with a seal valve.
 6. The arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the fluid sample line is further configured with a seal valve.
 7. A method for directing a fluid flow into a sample bottle; comprising: pumping the fluid flow with a pump through a fluid transfer line; hydraulically locking a piston in the sample bottle, wherein a fluid below the piston is pressure equalized to a pressure of the wellbore; accepting fluid from the fluid transfer line into the sample bottle through an inlet of the sample bottle, wherein a fluid pressure of the fluid in the fluid transfer line is at a pressure over that for actuation of a relief valve pressure thereby causing the fluid to enter the sample bottle; and sealing the bottle after an amount of fluid has been accepted into the sample bottle.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the amount of fluid accepted into the sample bottle is an entire volume of the sample bottle.
 9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the sealing of the bottle is automatically performed after a preset amount of fluid is accepted.
 10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: deploying the sample bottle downhole prior to pumping the fluid flow through the fluid transfer line.
 11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: retrieving the sample bottle from downhole.
 12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the sample bottle is a detachable component of a downhole tool. 